Package for seasoning pods

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides a package for seasoning pods, including: a front cover including a first external sheet and a first inner sheet; a back cover including a second external sheet and a second inner sheet; a connecting portion attaching the front cover to the back cover; and one or more pod compartments within the package. Each pod compartment is configured to receive a seasoning pod.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a package for holding one or more small containers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to, for example, a package that can hold one or more pods storing seasoning.

BACKGROUND

Generally, seasonings, such as spices, herbs, condiments, etc., are sold in jars containing an amount that is much more than an amount that customers need for cooking. The conventional large spice jars are generally made of unsustainable materials like glass or plastic, which cannot keep seasonings fresh for a longer period. Meanwhile, some seasonings are sold in smaller quantities and generally sold via small plastic bags or jars. Storing many tiny bags or jars can be cumbersome and messy in a kitchen.

It is desired to provide a package accommodating small portions of seasonings, which helps customers store and organize seasonings in small amounts.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, including: a front cover including a first external sheet and a first inner sheet; a back cover including a second external sheet and a second inner sheet; a connecting portion attaching the front cover to the back cover; and one or more pod compartments within the package. Each pod compartment is configured to receive a seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the one or more pod compartments are placed in the front cover or the back cover, or in both the front cover and the back cover.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein each pod compartment includes an opening in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the opening is in the shape of a fan.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein each pod compartment is formed in the first inner sheet and/or the second inner sheet, wherein each pod compartment includes a compartment body and a tab, wherein the compartment body includes an opening in the first inner sheet and/or the second inner sheet, wherein the opening is configured to receive a handle of the seasoning pod, and the tab is configured to support a top rim of the seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the handle is placed between the second external sheet and the second inner sheet, and/or between the first external sheet and the first inner sheet.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the compartment body includes a first edge and a second edge, which are configured to support a bottom of a pod body of the seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the number of pod compartments in the front cover and the number of pod compartments in the back cover are the same.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein there are four pod compartments in the front cover and four pod compartments in the back cover.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein when the package is in a closed state, the seasoning pods received in all the pod compartments are nestled in the package.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein all the pod compartments are nestled in the package without interfering with each other.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein the connecting portion includes a curve portion located at one end of the connecting portion, wherein the curve portion is configured to receive a finger of a user.

Embodiments provide a package for seasoning pods, wherein one or more seasoning names are provided on the connecting portion.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, each seasoning package including: a front cover including a first external sheet and a first inner sheet; a back cover including a second external sheet and a second inner sheet; a connecting portion attaching the front cover to the back cover; and one or more pod compartments within the package. Each pod compartment is configured to receive a seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, wherein the one or more pod compartments are placed in the front cover or the back cover, or in both the front cover and the back cover.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, wherein each pod compartment is formed in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein each pod compartment includes a compartment body and a tab, wherein the compartment body includes an opening in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein the opening is configured to receive a handle of the seasoning pod, and the tab is configured to support a top rim of the seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, wherein the handle is placed between the second external sheet and the second inner sheet, or between the first external sheet and the first inner sheet. Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, wherein the compartment body includes a first edge and a second edge, which are configured to support a bottom of a pod body of the seasoning pod.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages. When the package is in a closed state, the seasoning pods received in all the pod compartments are nestled in the package without interfering with each other.

Embodiments provide a holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, wherein the connecting portion includes a curve portion located at one end of the connecting portion, wherein the curve portion is configured to receive a finger of a user.

Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary seasoning card in a closed state, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary seasoning card in an open state, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary seasoning pod, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary seasoning card in an open state, wherein a plurality of seasoning pods are placed in the exemplary seasoning card, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary seasoning card in a semi-closed state, wherein eight seasoning pods are placed in the exemplary seasoning card, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary arrangement of eight seasoning pods when the exemplary seasoning card of FIG. 5 is in a closed state, according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary card holder, wherein a plurality of seasoning cards are grouped together in the exemplary card holder, according to embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary card holder, wherein a user is removing one seasoning card from the exemplary card holder, according to embodiments described herein;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A package for seasoning pods (also called a seasoning pod holder), e.g., a seasoning card, is designed to hold a predefined number of seasoning pods (e.g., eight seasoning pods) together. The seasoning card looks like a file folder. The arrangement of seasoning pods can use space in the seasoning card as efficiently as possible. The pod compartments (in the shape of pockets) in the seasoning card can keep the seasoning pods secure, while making the seasoning pods easy to be removed or replaced by a user.

In one embodiment, the seasoning card is made from a semi-flexible material, like a disposable paperboard. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary seasoning card 10 includes a front cover 12, a back cover 14, and a connecting portion 16 attaching the front cover 12 to the back cover 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the seasoning card 10 is in a closed state. The connecting portion 16 includes one or more curve portions 18. As shown in FIG. 1, there are two curve portions 18, and each curve portion 18 is located at one end of the connecting portion 16. The curve portion 18 is configured to receive a finger, so that a user can easily grasp one end of the connecting portion 16.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary seasoning card 10 in an open state. As shown in FIG. 2, the front cover 12 includes a first external sheet 122 and a first inner sheet 124. The back cover 14 also includes a second external sheet 142 and a second inner sheet 144. The seasoning card 10 further includes one or more pod compartments 20. Each pod compartment 20 can accommodate a seasoning pod 30, such as shown in FIG. 3. Each pod compartment 20 includes a compartment body 22 and a tab 24. The compartment body 22 includes an opening or a cutaway portion in the second inner sheet 144 or the first inner sheet 124. In an embodiment, the compartment body 22 is in the shape of a fan. The compartment body 22 further includes a first edge 26 and a second edge 28, which are configured to support the seasoning pod 30 after the seasoning pod 30 is inserted into the compartment body 22.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary seasoning pod 30. As shown in FIG. 3, For instance, the seasoning pod 30 is an individual single-use capsule holding a pre-measured portion of a seasoning. In an embodiment, the bottom of the seasoning pod 30 is flat. The seasoning pod 30 includes a pod body 32, a handle 34 located on one side of the pod body 32, and a lid 36 attached to the top of the pod body 32 and the handle 34 to seal the seasoning inside the pod body 32. In an embodiment, the lid 36 is a one-piece foil that is attached to both the pod body 32 and the handle 34. In another embodiment, the lid 36 is only attached to the pod body 32.

The whole seasoning pod 30 is made of an oxygen-proof, lightproof, moisture-proof, and sustainable material, such as aluminum, wherein the lid 36 is a foil made of an oxygen-proof, lightproof, moisture-proof, and sustainable material, such as aluminum foil. The pod body 32 and the lid 36 are sealed with a modified atmosphere packaging technique to ensure that the seasoning inside the pod body 32 stays fresher for a longer period.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the seasoning pod 30 can be placed in a pod compartment 20. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the handle 34 of the seasoning pod 30 is inserted into the opening of the compartment body 22. The bottom of the pod body 32 is supported by the first edge 26 and the second edge 28 of the compartment body 22. A tension is created in the area 42 below the first edge 26 and the second edge 28, so that the seasoning pod 30 can stay in the compartment body 22 securely. The top rim of the seasoning pod 30 is supported by the tab 24 of the pod compartment 20. The handle 34 is embedded between the second external sheet 142 and the second inner sheet 144, or between the first external sheet 122 and the first inner sheet 124. The tab 24 can keep the top exposed rim of the seasoning pod 30 from slipping when the handle 34 is placed between the external sheet (the first external sheet 122 or the second external sheet 142) and the inner sheet (the first inner sheet 124 or the second inner sheet 144), allowing the seasoning pod 30 to stay securely in the opening of the compartment body 22 when inserted. If the user needs to remove the seasoning pod 30 from the seasoning card 10, the user can grasp the top exposed rim of the seasoning pod 30 resting on the tab 24 for easy removal.

The arrangement of pod compartments 20 on the seasoning card 10 can use storage space efficiently, and create the appropriate amount of tension to keep the seasoning pod 30 secure but also accessible to the user. For example, referring to FIG. 5, there are a plurality of pod compartments (e.g., four pod compartments 202, 204, 206, and 208) on the front cover 12, while there are also a plurality of pod compartments (e.g., four pod compartments 210, 212, 214, 216) on the back cover 14. Eight seasoning pods 30 are inserted into the eight pod compartments 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216, respectively. When the seasoning card 10 is closed, referring to FIG. 6, the eight seasoning pods 30 are arranged to “nestle” together, without interfering with each other.

In an embodiment, a label identifying the content (e.g., curry, ginger, basil, ancho, etc.) of each seasoning pod 30 is attached to the bottom of the pod body 32. In an embodiment, the seasoning card 10 may hold a plurality of seasoning pods 30 having the same spice, herb, or seasoning. In another embodiment, the seasoning card 10 may hold a plurality of seasoning pods 30, each having different spices, herbs, and seasonings.

In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of seasoning cards 10 (e.g., four seasoning cards 10) can be placed together in a card holder 72. When the four seasoning cards 10 are housed together in the card holder 72, only the connecting portion 16 of each seasoning card 10 is fully visible, while the front cover 12 and the back cover 14 are partially visible or invisible. In an embodiment, a summary of card contents (e.g., curry, ginger, BBQ Shrimp, White Bean Chili, etc.) can be provided on the connecting portion 16 of each seasoning card 10, so that the user can easily select the seasoning(s) for the purpose that he/she needs. In an embodiment, a seasoning card 10 can have a single type of seasoning, such as curry, ginger, etc. Thus, the seasoning name, e.g., “curry,” “ginger,” etc. is provided on the connecting portion 16 of the seasoning card 10. In another embodiment, a seasoning card 10 can include a plurality of seasonings, i.e., each seasoning pod 30 in the seasoning card 10 can have a different seasoning. The plurality of seasonings can be used to make a specific recipe, such as “BBQ Shrimp,” “White Bean Chili,” etc. For example, each seasoning pod 30 in the seasoning card 10 can have a different seasoning. The different seasonings can each have an exact amount to make the specific recipe one time.

If the user needs to remove the selected seasoning card 10 from the card holder 72, referring to FIG. 8, a finger (e.g., the index finger) can be easily placed in the curve portion 18 of the selected seasoning card 10 to remove the selected seasoning card 10.

The seasoning card 10 can allow the seasoning pods 30 to “nestle” together when the seasoning card 10 is closed, creating a compact product. The seasoning pods 30 can stay stationary in their pod compartments 20 due to the tension created, e.g., in the area 42 of the second inner sheet 144. Further, the label identifying the content of each seasoning pod 30 is clearly visible. Once a user has identified the seasoning pod 30 he/she needs, it can be easily removed from the seasoning card 10. Furthermore, a plurality of seasoning cards 10 can be grouped together in a card holder 72, while the user can easily identify the contents of each seasoning card 10 at a glance due to the content indication marked on the connecting portion 16. Moreover, the seasoning card 10 can retain the card shape even when there is only one seasoning pod 30 left on the seasoning card 10.

The present description may make use of the terms “a,” “at least one of,” and “one or more of,” with regard to particular features and elements of the illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated that these terms and phrases are intended to state that there is at least one of the particular features or elements present in the particular illustrative embodiment, but that more than one may also be present. That is, these terms/phrases are not intended to limit the description to a single feature/element being present or require that a plurality of such features/elements be present. To the contrary, these terms/phrases only require at least a single feature/element with the possibility of a plurality of such features/elements being within the scope of the description.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the following description uses a plurality of various examples for various elements of the illustrative embodiments to further illustrate example implementations of the illustrative embodiments and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. These examples are intended to be non-limiting and are not exhaustive of the various possibilities for implementing the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present description that there are many other alternative implementations for these various elements that may be utilized in addition to, or in replacement of, the examples provided herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The system and processes of the figures are not exclusive. Other systems and processes may be derived in accordance with the principles of embodiments described herein to accomplish the same objectives. It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As described herein, the various systems, subsystems, agents, managers and processes may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and/or combinations thereof.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A package for seasoning pods, comprising: a front cover including a first external sheet and a first inner sheet; a back cover including a second external sheet and a second inner sheet; a connecting portion attaching the front cover to the back cover; and one or more pod compartments within the package, wherein each pod compartment is configured to receive a seasoning pod.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the one or more pod compartments are placed in the front cover or the back cover, or in both the front cover and the back cover.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein each pod compartment includes an opening in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein the opening is in the shape of a fan.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein each pod compartment is formed in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein each pod compartment includes a compartment body and a tab, wherein the compartment body includes an opening in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein the opening is configured to receive a handle of the seasoning pod, and the tab is configured to support a top rim of the seasoning pod.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein the handle is placed between the second external sheet and the second inner sheet, or between the first external sheet and the first inner sheet.
 7. The package of claim 5, wherein the compartment body includes a first edge and a second edge, which are configured to support a bottom of a pod body of the seasoning pod.
 8. The package of claim 2, wherein the number of pod compartments in the front cover and the number of pod compartments in the back cover are the same.
 9. The package of claim 8, wherein there are four pod compartments in the front cover and four pod compartments in the back cover.
 10. The package of claim 8, wherein when the package is in a closed state, the seasoning pods received in all the pod compartments are nestled in the package.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein all the pod compartments are nestled in the package without interfering with each other.
 12. The package of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a curve portion located at one end of the connecting portion, wherein the curve portion is configured to receive a finger of a user.
 13. The package of claim 1, wherein one or more seasoning names are provided on the connecting portion.
 14. A holder for receiving a plurality of seasoning packages, each seasoning package comprising: a front cover including a first external sheet and a first inner sheet; a back cover including a second external sheet and a second inner sheet; a connecting portion attaching the front cover to the back cover; and one or more pod compartments within the package, wherein each pod compartment is configured to receive a seasoning pod.
 15. The holder of claim 14, wherein the one or more pod compartments are placed in the front cover or the back cover, or in both the front cover and the back cover.
 16. The holder of claim 14, wherein each pod compartment is formed in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein each pod compartment includes a compartment body and a tab, wherein the compartment body includes an opening in the first inner sheet or the second inner sheet, wherein the opening is configured to receive a handle of the seasoning pod, and the tab is configured to support a top rim of the seasoning pod.
 17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the handle is placed between the second external sheet and the second inner sheet, or between the first external sheet and the first inner sheet.
 18. The holder of claim 16, wherein the compartment body includes a first edge and a second edge, which are configured to support a bottom of a pod body of the seasoning pod.
 19. The holder of claim 14, wherein when the package is in a closed state, the seasoning pods received in all the pod compartments are nestled in the package without interfering with each other.
 20. The holder of claim 14, wherein the connecting portion includes a curve portion located at one end of the connecting portion, wherein the curve portion is configured to receive a finger of a user. 